BY RYAN SPELTS
When The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced in 2017 that they would discontinue their relationship with the Boy Scouts of America, the scouting program lost a large group of sponsored charters. While scouting is no longer offered to Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints members, the program is still a great resource for teaching youth ages 11-17. Many members of the LDS Church have the misconception that the church no longer wants members to be part of scouting. This is not true. The church has stated that they will no longer sponsor scouting, and they would focus on an internal worldwide youth program, but they still want scouting programs to continue and succeed. This sentiment is expressed in this quote from the church’s website: “While the Church’s will no longer be a chartered partner of BSA or sponsor Scouting units after December 31, 2019, it continues to support the goals and values reflected in the Scout Oath and Scout Law and expresses its profound desire for Scouting’s continuing and growing success in the years ahead.”
If you are not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you may not have noticed the change if there is an active troop at your place of worship. If you don’t have a church or you have wondered where to find a troop for your child now that they are not offered at LDS churches, this article is a great place to start. The scouting program is on the rise again, and they are looking to immediately grow into North Ogden and Pleasant View areas. Both boys and girls, ages 11-17, are able to be part of the troops. They also offer Cub Scouting for boys and girls in K-5 grades.
Local Scout troops are a great way for the youth to learn and grow in outdoor skills and community involvement while having fun with peers. I am an Eagle Scout and am grateful for the training I received in my youth from the scouting program. North Ogden doesn’t currently have a scout troop; our nearest troop is in Farr West. Scouting BSA is looking for adult volunteers and youth participants to fill a much-needed North Ogden troop. If you want to be involved in scouting, please contact the Crossroads of the West Council to volunteer. If you have a child who would benefit from scouting, the more the merrier.
If you are a part of a civic organization or business leader, a great way for you to contribute to scouting is to sponsor charters for packs/troops. This practice is a great way for business owners to show support and help develop community.
For more information, you can reach the scouting office at 801-479-5460, contact local Scouting representative Jake Bangerter at 801-857-7649 or jacob.bangerter@scouting.org, or visit www.utahscouts.org.